May 11th

When I arrived at the RPA after work Denise had not had much sleep and was a little delirious. The most confronting thing was the dialysis machine she was hooked up to. On Tuesday evening when I left, her temperature was high, she was febrile because of the high temperature but not convulsing, and her BP was normal. Mr Dialysis was not at her bedside.

Today, the ICU consultant spoke to me, answered my questions and gave me a summary of what has happened since Tuesday. Here it is:

• The blood cultures have not revealed the infection so a broad-spectrum antibiotic is still being given. More cultures are being done.
• To combat the fever a heavy hitting antibiotic was given to Denise. This antibiotic affects the kidneys because the waste it creates is evacuated through the kidneys. Impaired renal functions are an expected side-effect; hence her new bedside companion. I'm sorry, I cannot remember the name of the drug. However, the good news is that it has done its job and is no longer being administered. The dialysis will continue until Denise's kidney functions return to normal.
• Denise was taken to radiology and had scans performed this morning. Infections were found in her lungs and in her bowel. These are being treated.
• Now for the really good news - yesterday, Denise's white cell count was 1. Today it is 5, so Robyn's stem cells are working their magic.

I'll  post another update tomorrow night.